The short answer
- A urologist is a surgeon for the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate and male reproductive organs. Stones, blockages, prostate problems, blood in the urine, repeated urine infections, leaking urine and men's health problems are a urologist's work.
- A nephrologist is a physician (not a surgeon) for kidney function. Raised creatinine, protein in the urine, kidney damage from diabetes or blood pressure, kidney inflammation and dialysis are a nephrologist's work.
Which doctor for which problem
| Your problem | Usually see first |
|---|---|
| Sharp pain in the side or back, often with blood in the urine | Urologist |
| A stone seen on ultrasound or CT | Urologist |
| Blood in the urine, with or without pain | Urologist |
| Burning urine or infections that keep coming back | Urologist |
| Weak stream or waking at night to pass urine (men) | Urologist |
| Leaking urine | Urologist |
| A swollen kidney (hydronephrosis) on a scan | Urologist |
| Raised creatinine or urea on a blood test | Nephrologist, unless a scan shows a blockage |
| Protein in the urine, or foamy urine | Nephrologist |
| Swelling of the feet or face | Nephrologist (or your physician) |
| Diabetes or blood pressure affecting the kidneys | Nephrologist |
| Dialysis | Nephrologist |
What a urologist does
A urologist trains first as a surgeon and then in urology. They diagnose problems with tests and scans, treat many with medicines, and operate when needed, often with thin telescopes passed through the urinary passage or keyhole surgery. Common reasons to see a urologist include kidney stones, prostate enlargement, repeated urine infections, blood in the urine, leaking urine and men's sexual and fertility problems.
What a nephrologist does
A nephrologist trains as a physician and then in kidney medicine. They look after chronic kidney disease, often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure; kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis); protein leaking into the urine; salt and water balance; and dialysis. They do not usually operate.
When both work together
Some patients need both, for example:
- Stones that keep coming back, where a nephrologist looks for a cause in the blood or urine
- A blockage, such as a stone or an enlarged prostate, that has already affected kidney function
- Children with urine reflux or a kidney that drains poorly
- People with diabetes who also have bladder or prostate problems
Not sure? Start here
If you have pain, blood in the urine, trouble passing urine, or a stone or swelling on a scan, start with a urologist. If a blood or urine test shows that the kidneys are not filtering well, and the scan shows no blockage, start with a nephrologist. Either doctor will send you to the other if you need it.
Urology in Gomti Nagar Extension
Swastik Urology Clinic is a urology clinic in Sector-5, Gomti Nagar Extension, near Sadar Tehsil. The doctor sees stones, prostate, bladder and men's health problems, and will tell you if you also need a nephrologist. The morning OPD runs Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Bring your blood reports and scans. Request an appointment.
This article gives general information and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor.
